Gravel Calculator
Gravel Calculator
Calculate gravel quantity, weight, and cost for your project
Pea Gravel
Small, rounded stones typically ¼" to ⅜" in diameter
Gravel Calculator: Complete Project Guide
Calculate exactly how much gravel you need for driveways, walkways, landscaping, and construction projects.Our professional gravel calculator determines cubic yards, tons, weight, and total cost based on your project dimensions and chosen material type. Get accurate estimates to avoid over-ordering or running short.
Choose from six popular gravel types including pea gravel, crushed stone, river rock, decomposed granite, marble chips, and lava rock. Each material has specific properties, costs, and ideal applications. This calculator provides detailed recommendations for your specific project type.
Quick Answer
To calculate gravel needed: Measure length × width × depth in feet, then divide by 27 to get cubic yards. For tons, multiply cubic yards by 1.3-1.7 depending on material. This calculator handles all conversions and provides material-specific recommendations for optimal results.
Types of Gravel and Applications
Pea Gravel
Small, rounded stones (¼" to ⅜") that are comfortable to walk on and provide excellent drainage.
Best For:
- • Walkways and pathways
- • Decorative landscaping
- • Play areas and dog runs
- • Drainage applications
Considerations:
- • Can scatter without edging
- • Not ideal for heavy vehicle traffic
- • Regular maintenance needed
Crushed Stone
Angular limestone or granite pieces (¾" minus) that compact well and provide excellent stability.
Best For:
- • Driveways and parking areas
- • Road base and foundations
- • Drainage systems
- • High-traffic areas
Considerations:
- • Can be dusty in dry conditions
- • Sharp edges, not comfortable barefoot
- • Requires proper grading
River Rock
Smooth, naturally rounded stones (1" to 4") that provide an attractive, natural appearance.
Best For:
- • Decorative landscaping
- • Water features and pond edges
- • Xeriscaping and drought-tolerant gardens
- • Accent areas around plants
Considerations:
- • More expensive than other options
- • Can shift under foot traffic
- • Difficult to walk on comfortably
How to Calculate Gravel Requirements
Step-by-Step Process
1. Measure Dimensions
Length × Width × Depth in consistent units (feet recommended)
2. Calculate Volume
Cubic feet ÷ 27 = Cubic yards (standard ordering unit)
3. Convert to Weight
Multiply by material density to get total tonnage
4. Add Overage
Add 5-10% extra for compaction and waste
Example Calculation
Order: 3 tons of crushed stone
Installation Guidelines
Site Preparation
Excavation
Remove grass, weeds, and organic matter. Grade for proper drainage.
Landscape Fabric
Install weed barrier fabric to prevent growth and separation.
Base Layer
Consider crushed stone base for heavy-traffic areas.
Installation Process
Spreading
Distribute evenly with rake, work in sections for large areas.
Compaction
Use plate compactor for driveways, hand tamp for walkways.
Edging
Install borders to contain gravel and maintain clean lines.
Recommended Depths by Application
Functional Applications
Decorative Applications
Cost Factors and Budgeting
Material Costs
Budget Options ($25-35/ton)
Crushed stone, decomposed granite - functional but basic
Mid-Range ($35-55/ton)
Pea gravel, colored gravels - attractive and versatile
Premium ($55-85/ton)
River rock, marble chips, lava rock - decorative specialty
Additional Costs
Delivery
$50-150 depending on distance and quantity
Installation Labor
$2-4 per square foot for professional installation
Site Preparation
Excavation, fabric, edging materials
Maintenance and Longevity
Regular Maintenance
- Rake and level gravel seasonally
- Remove weeds and organic debris
- Refresh borders and edging
- Add material as needed for compaction
Long-term Care
- Recompact high-traffic areas annually
- Address drainage issues promptly
- Replace landscape fabric when damaged
- Monitor for settling and add material
Frequently Asked Questions
How much gravel do I need for my driveway?
For driveways: Measure length × width × depth (3-4 inches recommended). A 20' × 10' driveway at 3" deep needs about 1.85 cubic yards or 2.6 tons of gravel. This calculator provides exact measurements for any size project.
Should I order by cubic yards or tons?
Both are common: Cubic yards measure volume, tons measure weight. Suppliers often sell by tons because it's more accurate for billing. Dense materials like crushed stone are typically ordered by tons, while lighter materials may be sold by cubic yards.
What's the difference between pea gravel and crushed stone?
Pea gravel is small, rounded, and comfortable to walk on but doesn't compact well.Crushed stone has angular edges that lock together for excellent compaction and stability. Use pea gravel for decorative areas, crushed stone for driveways and structural applications.
Do I need landscape fabric under gravel?
Highly recommended: Landscape fabric prevents weeds, stops gravel from sinking into soil, and creates separation between gravel and earth. It significantly reduces maintenance and extends the life of your gravel installation. Use commercial-grade fabric for best results.
How deep should gravel be for different applications?
Depth varies by use: Walkways need 2-3", driveways need 3-4", and drainage systems need 4-6". Too thin and you'll have poor coverage; too thick wastes material and increases cost. Heavy traffic areas benefit from deeper installations for longevity.
How do I prevent gravel from spreading?
Install edging: Use plastic, metal, or stone borders to contain gravel. Proper edging prevents migration and maintains clean lines. Also ensure adequate depth and proper compaction to minimize movement from foot and vehicle traffic.
Related Construction Tools
Gravel Calculator
Calculate gravel quantity, weight, and cost for your project
Pea Gravel
Small, rounded stones typically ¼" to ⅜" in diameter